Former deputy mayor Mr Jewakauckes has lived alone in front of Tavurvur since his wife was killed in the 1994 eruption. Picture: Eric LafforgueSource:Picture Media

Eric said: “The rain soaks up the thick ash that has fallen on houses and around 80 per cent of the buildings have collapsed under the weight.

“There is one hotel under the volcano. The Rabaul Hotel still welcomes tourists after being severely damaged by fire in 1984 and then reopened in 2005.

“All the rooms have a volcano view, though you can’t see much since the wind blows the ash towards the hotel.

“It is an incredible experience. Once you’re in the nice clean room, you feel like you’re in a submarine.

“The former airport is now under three metres of ash. Rabaul Airport was completely destroyed in the 1994 eruption because the airport was in the direct path of the falling ash. Nobody knows why they built it at the foot of the volcano.

“Even though the area is a tourist attraction, the danger must not be forgotten. Acute exposure to the ash can cause asthma or chronic bronchitis, so most people wear a protective mask.

“The volcano is a good opportunity for locals to gain revenue. Megapode birds live and nest at the base of Mount Tavurvur.

“They dig holes into the ash and bury their eggs two metres down until they reach the ground underneath, where the temperature is perfect.

“The Megapode egg serves as a primary source of food and income in Rabaul. Each day, men travel to the nesting grounds to gather the eggs. Each individual egg is priced at 2 Kina, which is just under $1, so it is a good business.

“As in most other towns in Papua New Guinea, Rabaul saw some fighting in World War II, so wrecks still remain on the land — but they’re all covered in ash.”

A child grins in the face of smoke and ash at Tavurvur. Picture: Eric LafforgueSource:Picture Media